Five ways to tell you’re getting a good deal this Black Friday

Black Friday has become a major shopping event in South Africa, with retailers rolling out flashy deals and discounts. But not all those “massive savings” are as good as they seem. Some deals are cleverly disguised to make you think you’re getting a bargain when you’re not. To make sure you’re truly saving money, here are five tips tailored for South African shoppers to help you spot the real Black Friday bargains.

1. Check the price history

A common trick used by retailers is to raise prices shortly before Black Friday to make discounts look bigger. By checking the price history, you can confirm if it’s a genuine deal.

Use local tools like PriceCheck or compare past prices on retailer websites. Some stores like Takealot also show price trends if you scroll down to product reviews.

Compare the current price to what the product cost during other sales events, like the June mid-year sales. If it’s close or lower, you’re looking at a real deal.

2. Compare Black Friday prices across retailers

What looks like a bargain at one store might be cheaper elsewhere. Comparing prices can save you from paying more than you should.

Some retailers rely on Black Friday hype to discourage shoppers from checking competitors, but a few extra minutes of research can reveal better deals.

Use price comparison sites like PriceCheck, or visit multiple retailer websites like Makro, Game, or Checkers Hyper. Don’t forget smaller online stores, as they sometimes undercut big retailers.

If you’re shopping in-store, use your phone to check online prices before committing.

3. Verify the product’s quality

During Black Friday, some retailers promote older models or lower-quality versions of popular products at seemingly unbeatable prices. These might not always be the bargains they appear to be.

Check the product’s model number or specifications. For electronics, search for reviews on sites like MyBroadband or global platforms like TechRadar.

If the product has little information or reviews, it might be a lesser-quality version made for sales events.

4. Look for added Black Friday perks

Sometimes the value of a deal is in the extras. South African retailers often bundle items or offer perks that make a purchase more worthwhile.

Perks like free delivery, installation, or vouchers can add significant value to your purchase.

Retailers like Takealot, Woolworths, and Checkers often include free delivery on Black Friday deals. Appliance retailers like Hirsch’s may also include installation or extended warranties.

Look for bundle deals where you get extra items at a reduced cost, such as free accessories with electronics or free airtime with cellphones.

5. Stick to your budget and needs

Black Friday hype can lead to impulse purchases that drain your wallet. The best bargains are those for items you genuinely need and have planned for.

Spending on things you don’t need, even at a discount, defeats the purpose of saving.

Make a list of items you plan to buy and set a budget for each. This will help you avoid unnecessary “doorbuster” deals.

Many South African banks allow you to set purchase limits on your card. Use this feature to prevent overspending.